Your Results, Explained: Clarity Provided by Row Percentages Versus Column Percentages

The overwhelming majority of clinical research papers begin their Results section with a series of tables summarizing the distribution of significant demographics, clinical characteristics, and potential outcome variables within their study cohort. However, the presentation of these tables often leaves the reader confused or wanting different information than what is presented. One particularly vexing decision in the presentation of categoric variables is choosing to present the "row percentage" in preference to the "column percentage." This report provides a guide for clinical scientists, some of whom may not have access to statistical support, to summarize their descriptive results in the manner that provides the most clarity for the reader.